HAWTHORN general manager of player personnel and strategy Chris Pelchen says the club's 10th VFL/AFL flag is the beginning and not the end of its carefully-planned premiership model.

Pelchen, along with former recruiting manager John Turnbull and current incumbents Gary Buckenara (west coast of Australia recruiting manager) and Graham Wright (east coast), have been crucial in building the 2008 premiership side. But Pelchen said the club has a great opportunity to add to its premiership cabinet in the next five years.

"What I'm proud about with Hawthorn is that it has won a premiership in every decade since the 1960s – 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and now the 00s. Not many clubs can boast that, and I'd like to think that we can refocus now," Pelchen, who has now been involved in the 1989, 1991 and 2008 Hawthorn flags, as well as Port Adelaide's in 2004, told afl.com.au.

"While we will enjoy the win, I'm not the biggest celebrator and our [recruiting] team has a big job to do over the next two weeks, with the draft camp and the trade period. We're not going to take our eye off the ball.

"We've got to make sure this isn't a one-hit wonder, and we've got to continue to build and finish off what we set out to do. While some people might think this premiership is the finish to that, I still think the next, three, four and five years can be very successful for this club."

Pelchen said the club had to experience some early pain for long-term gain when it set out to achieve its latest title.

"When we started on this project at the end of 2004 and early 2005, I explained to the board that it would take some time. I think most people noticed in 2005 and 2006 that we struggled a bit, but what was most important was that we stuck to what we set out to do," Pelchen said.

"Other clubs along the way have actually tried to do this – in terms of trying to build from the ground up – but have maybe deviated slightly from their plan for one thing or another.

"I remember using the analogy to the board in early 2005 that: 'The ship had left the port and there is no turning back, and we've got to understand there are going to be some rocky waves up and down over the next few years'.

"Thankfully, we had a board that was absolutely committed to the cause. There is no doubt along the way that at times through 2005 and 2006, there was some fairly ugly results, but never once at a board meeting did we cop criticism.

"We kept bringing back that 40-page document that had been presented to the board in 2005 and the guys stuck to it so well – whether it be the coaches, development staff or most of all the board - and you don't even build a premiership on one person.

"That's why I'm so proud to be involved. It just shows what you can achieve if you work as a team."

Pelchen was delighted for the likes of Turnbull, Buckenara and Wright, plus a host of long-term key recruiters who have worked closely with the trio over the past decade.

"That's the most important thing; the team is never put together by just one person. The fact is, whether it's our full-time recruiting staff, our part-time network or those who have worked here previously – they've all got to take a rap for it," Pelchen said.

"The fact is, no one person ever puts together a premiership side – you need so many blokes to come together, whether it's the coaching, fitness or whole management of the club – they've done a fantastic job.

"The fact is, I'm glad I've played a part, but whether it's John Turnbull, Gary Buckenara or Graham Wright or our part-time staff right around Australia – I think it's important that they get acknowledged.

"I can only manage a list, according to what's been given to me, but the guys have done an enormous job."